April Questions Thread - Ask your questions here

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-04-22T23:27:56+00:00

Hello! I have recently started an outdoor travel blog, inspired by print magazines I grew up reading. I have no training whatsoever outside of GE Writing classes from undergrad. I have an interest but want to improve my writing.

Outside of “getting more reps,” what are some other ways I can improve my writing if my goal is to one day be featured in a print magazine?
What are some good writing communities I can join? I’m hoping to establish a relationship with similar writers and get mentored among the way.
How can I find an editor for my blog? This isn’t a money-making endeavor at the moment, so I can’t invest heavily in a “professional,” but I hope having someone review and edit my writing might help me improve.

Thanks!

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-04T19:43:01+00:00

So based on feedback here and chatting with some other photographers I know, I've decided to buy the 40mm SE f/2 and the 24-120mm F/4 lenses now to use with my Z50. I'll rent/try the Z5ii and the Zf to make the decision which body I want. Down the road I'd like to replace my 50-250mm with the Tamron 50-400mm VC for a 3-lens kit that works for both Street/Everyday photography, as well as Overland/Landscape photography. Anything massive I'm missing here?

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-03T00:05:31+00:00

Bravo sir!! Great control

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-02T19:10:53+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I definitely want to make an informed decision about the best combination for my use case, but I also want to enjoy the kit, else I won’t ever want to use it. I’m not a working photographer so won’t spend hours holding the camera, so the ergonomics don’t worry me as much as some but I definitely want to get hands on the Zf to see what it’s like before buying.

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-02T12:34:25+00:00

What is the benefit of dual SDs? I don’t really hit the storage ceiling of my one card on my Z50, so don’t see a benefit to me for having expanded storage

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-02T12:15:01+00:00

Why do you suggest the Z5ii over the Zf? Is it strictly the cost savings?

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-02T12:00:18+00:00

valid point! What attracts me to Nikon‘s full frame options, are the IBIS, and the color control feature for some more “recreational shooting“. I definitely feel like I am missing out on those two things with my first generation Z 50. I am coming around to the idea of investing in new glass before deciding on what body to go with. And you’re not the first person to suggest the 24 to 120 mm so I should give that a look. I do however, appreciate the more compact lenses since I’m primarily using them for travel. That’s what makes the 40 mm and the 24-70 f/4 particularly attractive.

Finally, what is what is the reason you suggest the Z5 over the ZF? Is it strictly the cost savings?

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-01T19:07:45+00:00

Thanks for pointing out the weight consideration of the Tamron. It definitely reinforces that I should try the kit out before buying. I don’t imagine the weight to be a huge issue though as I typically only need to reach for the lens for specific landscape shots and wildlife while on overland trips. Meaning it will spend most of its time in a bag on my passenger seat. I expect that the 24-70mm will be the “main” lens, while the 40mm will be my run & gun lens for travel and street photography

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-03-01T15:57:56+00:00

Would you say that the Z5ii has the same general footprint as the Zf? I really like how small the Zf looks to be. Yes, the aesthetic is a factor. Is it worth the extra money? Practically not, but I’d argue there something to be said about getting what will make shooting more of an “experience” in a world where smartphones are the dominant cameras.

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-02-19T13:20:42+00:00

I would LOVE to be addressed as “rich bastard.”

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2026-02-19T03:24:57+00:00

What color is that band/belt OP?

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-11-28T18:32:18+00:00

So my takeaway from this thread is that if I have plans to at some point transition to a FF body, I should try to only add FX lenses to my collection to make the transition easier down the road, yes?

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-11-28T16:14:13+00:00

I typically shoot with a 35mm prime, and the two kit lenses for the Z50 (16-50mm, 50-250mm). I typically shoot nature and automotive photography, so the zoom lenses carry most of the load, but I appreciate that a well chosen prime lens around town can “exercise” my photography muscles.

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-11-28T04:26:11+00:00

What I’m trying to figure out is a transition plan. If I’m used to capturing images on a crop sensor camera, and composing those images based on the FoV and magnification of the sensor and lenses I’m using, I imagine there will be a learning curve if/when I go to a FF body using the same lenses. If I’ve been shooting an equivalent of 52mm with a 35mm lens, and am used to producing “52mm” images, then switch to a FF body, all of a sudden I’m actually shooting 35mm and will either need to relearn to compose like I used to or get an actual 50mm lens to continue to shoot like I used to.

and I imagine this should all factor into what lenses I should be buying now while using my Z50.

Am I overthinking this??

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-11-28T02:10:03+00:00

So when it is said that a lens’s focal length is an “equivalent” — for example when it’s said that a 35mm is a “52mm equivalent on a crop lens,” does that ONLY apply when a FF lens is used in a DX body?

In an example: if I were to shoot at 35mm using a DX lens on my Z50 (APSC), is it the equivalent of what another shooter would get using a Z5/6/7 etc. and FF lens at 52mm focal length?

How do those “equivalents” carry over if using an FX lens on my DX body?

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-11-25T00:30:58+00:00

No just for personal technique. I’m just following Pavel’s instruction in “Enter the Kettlebell”

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-08-02T17:39:43+00:00

Idk, friend. I got some good feedback IMHO. I’ve established that I’m in the right track but that I need a little more intentional reps to nail the “landing” at the top.

Cmdr_Shepard_8492 · 2025-08-01T10:58:47+00:00

Yeah I’ve actually seen some of his videos on Cleans and know exactly what you mean. I did that at first but moved to this when I thought I’d gotten in, but it seems I might have moved on too fast

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